Mercedes Zarzalejo, the Regional Minister of Education, Science, and Universities for the Community of Madrid, met today with a delegation from the Association of Private and Independent Schools (CICAE), consisting of its president, José Antonio Rois; its vice president, Ángel de la Vega; and its executive director, Elena Cid.
Also participating in the meeting were Jorge Elías de la Peña y Montes de Oca, Director General of Subsidized Education, Scholarships, and Financial Aid, and Soledad Raboso, Deputy Chief of Staff.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of very positive dialogue and provided an opportunity to address some of the main challenges and opportunities facing Madrid’s education system, as well as to convey CICAE’s vision regarding the role of independent private education in the region.
The Contribution of Independent Private Education
The CICAE delegation conveyed to the Regional Ministry the importance of independent private education within Madrid’s educational system. Currently, this sector accounts for more than 16% of the region’s student population and is essential to ensuring educational pluralism, diversity in educational approaches, and freedom of education.
He also highlighted the excellent academic results achieved by independent private schools and their contribution to the education system through the full self-funding of their educational programs, which represents significant savings for the public coffers.
More autonomy for schools and freedom of choice for families
Among the issues discussed, CICAE highlighted the need to continue making progress toward greater organizational and curricular autonomy for schools. The association believes that giving schools greater decision-making authority is essential for them to develop their own innovative educational programs tailored to the needs of students and today’s society.
Similarly, representatives of the association emphasized the importance of promoting direct financial assistance programs for families that ensure genuine freedom of choice in selecting a school. CICAE believes that all families should be able to choose the educational program they consider most appropriate for their children, regardless of their financial means.
Ensuring Compliance with the Law in the New Subsidized School System
During the meeting, participants also discussed the situation of the “Nueva concertada” schools in the Community of Madrid and the importance of ensuring compliance with current laws regarding the provision of free education in publicly funded schools.
In this regard, CICAE noted that charging fees to families undermines the model established by the regulations and encourages commercialization and profit-making in publicly funded centers.
The association also pointed out that, in the Community of Madrid, 44% of subsidized schools are for-profit entities—a reality that, in CICAE’s view, makes it particularly necessary to strengthen oversight and transparency mechanisms to ensure the proper use of public funds.
CICAE thanks the Secretary of Education for her warm welcome and willingness to listen to the association’s proposals, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining an ongoing dialogue in support of a quality, pluralistic education that respects academic freedom.
